Page 87 of Shadow Bound

Ripping the needle from my arm, I ask, “Whereismy girl?”

Pruitt points at the open window. “We forced her to leave the room. She’s been going between sitting in the chair watching you sleep and pacing the length of the room all night like a caged animal. She was going crazy in here. Had this totally insane look in her eyes that was freaking us out. She looked like she wanted to kill something.” That’s my girl all right. “We told her to go outside and take a break, get some fresh air.”

I think it’s cute that they think they were able to ‘force’ Beau to do something. I know for a fact she doesn’t do anything she doesn’t really want to, but I’ll let my family think they got the win.

Looking from the window and back to Pruitt, I sigh. “Look Pruitt, I know what you probably think of her and if it’s going to be a problem having her here, we’ll go. My family and pack are important to me, but she’s now my priority and if she can’t be accepted here, I can’t in good conscience keep her somewhere she isn’t welcome.” I just need to get this out so they know how serious I am about Isabeau, that I’ll walk away from everyone if I need to.

Pruitt leans forward and grabs my hand. “Ransom, shut up. You two aren’t going anywhere. While we were apprehensive about her at first and a little unaccepting...” Her green eyes slide to her mate, giving him a pointed look. Pru’s clearly been filled in on what Ryker’s attitude has been like toward Isabeau. “She’s important to you—more than important—which means she’s important to us. I’m still a little fuzzy on what exactly a bloodmate is, but the important part is she’syoursand that makes her one of us.” Pru grins reassuringly at me. “And from what I hear, it might not be too long till you two are completing the shifter mating ceremony. I might still hold a little grudge that she shot me, but I’m really happy for you, Ransom. You deserve to be happy, and if she makes you happy, we fully support you.”

“Oh yeah.” Ryker chuckles. “I bet money they’re mated by the next full moon. You didn’t see the way that vamp broke down when she thought she killed him. She was awreck. I honestly didn’t think she was capable of such emotions. Up until that second, I thought she might be part cyborg or a sociopath at the very least.”

My wolf whines hearing that his mate was hurt and my heart breaks that what happened caused her pain.

“Isabeau feels emotions, you dickhead. I think she might feel things even deeper than the rest of us. She just hides them better than the rest of us. We weren’t beaten and conditioned with pain every time an emotion crossed our faces when we were young like she was.” I scowl at my brother. Not everyone is going to understand Beau and her odd behavior as easily as I do. Her hard icy exterior is hard to see past, but once you do you see what a warm heart she has.

Both Ryker and Pru’s faces fall. We haven’t talked much about Isabeau’s past. They know all the bad she’s done because of Sterling, but they don’t know what all had to be done to her to get her to the point that shecoulddo those bad things. I don’t know everything, but I know enough to understand and accept her anyway.

There’s a loud slamming of a door down the hallway that draws all our attention. Footsteps move in the direction of the bedroom we’re in.

“Are you sure you don’t want to take a longer break?” Winslow’s voice sounds like it’s full of worry. “The fresh—”

“I smelled the fresh air, I felt the sun on my face, I heard the birds chirping in the trees and all the rest of that bullshit. I’m done—over it. I’m going back to him and if you try to stop me, I will use that annoying raven of yours as target practice.”

Winslow has a raven that’s followed her around for over a decade. It was the first thing Winnie ever brought back to life with her necromancer power after it flew into her bedroom window and broke its neck. The bird now has an odd bond with her and hangs around.

“If you go anywhere near Poe.” Oh yeah, it also has a name. “I will destroy all your black leather clothes and replace them with nothing but pink and frilly things!” Winslow threatens. “Andglitter.Somuch glitter you’ll look like a cheapTwilightknockoff.”

“What the hell isTwilight?”

“It’s a vampire movie where the vampires sparkle in the sun.”

“What theactualfuck?”

“One day I’m going to make you watch it with me.”

Pruitt, who’s biting back a smile, listens to the exchange. “They remind me of Remi and me.”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Ryker scoffs. “You two are a million times worse than Winnie and Beau.” He just smirks when his mate glares mockingly at him.

“I’d rather walk into traffic,” Isabeau answers Winnie, her displeased snarl echoes down the hallway as she moves closer to us.To me.“Why would a vampire even sparkle? That doesn’t make any sense—what would be the point?” She sounds so lost.

“I don’t know, but I am a little disappointed that you don’t,” Winslow admits. They’re right outside, the half-closed door blocking us from seeing them. “He’s sleeping, Beau. I’m serious, it’s okay if you take a break.”

“I don’t need a break,” Isabeau insists, shoving the door open. “I need him to wake up so I—” Her words die on her lips when she spots me sitting up in bed.

Her frosty eyes look me over, making sure I’m okay. When she doesn’t find anything, the relief on her face is blatant.

Her movements are so fast she’s just a blur as she flies across the room and crashes into me. She doesn’t wait for me to get off the bed, no, she simply climbs into my lap. Her arms wrap around my neck so tight it’s a struggle to breathe and her legs wrap around my middle, her ankles crossing at the base of my spine. My arms snake around her and hold her in a vise grip.

Burying her face in my neck, I can feel each shaky breath Beau takes. Our chests are pressed so tightly together I can feel when her ribs start to shake as she fights back her sobs.

I know Beau is capable of showing emotion, but I never thought she’d do it in front of my family. While I’m heartbroken she’s so upset, I’m oddly proud of her right now.

Pruitt meets my eyes over Beau’s shoulder, she nods once, an approving smile on her face. Ryker grabs his mate’s hand and leads her to the door where Winnie stands watching us. The door clicks shut behind them and Beau and I are finally left alone.

The cries Beau has been holding back finally bust through and she breaks in my arms. Her whole body shakes as she cries. Her wet tears soak my neck and shoulder, but I don’t care. I just hold her as she cries, letting her get all her emotions out.

I press kisses to her temple and hair, rubbing her back soothingly. I don’t talk, knowing she doesn’t need words right now. She just needs me like I just need her.

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